I'm about to pull my hair out trying to find a architect who ia familiar with ICF. I have a floor plan of our simple 1900 sq ft ranch design with a basement underneath. My local architects only try a convince me to stick build. I'm so tired of my area not catching up to more energy efficient home building. I'm in west central Indiana. Anyone know of a good architect that can convert my floor plan to ICF? Thanks

I believe I can help with sources to design and build with VICF's. I am Drake Ambrosino of Arbor Design Build. I market a vertical icf product, provide design build services, provide install, also build with timberframe and sips around the country. Please contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX (Phone #'s and email addresses are not allowed in forum posts). www.arbordesignbuild.com Thanks.

I would be happy to help. You can find my contact info by clicking the Quad-Lock link on the right side of this page under "Sponsors"

i was in the same position as you, but my guy wasn't so overt. he basically just didn't get much done, and kept asking me to get quotes to see if we were within budget, and after i provided him with those numbers, he kept saying that we need to make sure. i decided to use a designer i found online, robert klob designs. we are currently in the planning stage about to go to building approval in the next few weeks. so far, i have been very happy with him.

eugene

Finding an ICF architect is the easy part. The real problem is finding two or more experienced ICF contractors who will make reasonable bids for your project. It is all about the learning curve on this site, or more precisely the lack of a learning curve. You want a contractor who has done dozens of ICF houses -- enough that there is no wasted motion or money on the job. It takes two or more qualified contractors, because the only guy in town is going to price your job like ... he is the only guy in town.

So your architect may be giving you excellent advice.

I suggest to have full plan. Including all pipes (HVAC, Plumbing, etc.)

Posted By theInvincible on 25 May 2013 09:03 PM
I suggest to have full plan. Including all pipes (HVAC, Plumbing, etc.)

Hi,

I'm not sure why or maybe it is your geographic area but from my experience it is not necessary to have a set of MEP's printed and really only increases your overall cost.    
  
   Your electrical sub will look at your floor plan and go over where all outlets, switches, fans, etc... should be placed. 
  
   The HVAC sub will do his study based on your prints and advise on the HVAC system to install; he/she may charge for the study but may also apply that fee to the
   purchase of the system if you negotiate it with the sub.

   The plumbing sub will also look at your prints and go over where to place showers, toilets, urinals, sinks, water heaters and piping/pex.

I just don't see paying for MEP's when your subs are the professionals and are more than capable covering all options.  Did I/do I not understand something?

Thanks.

I wouldn't build another ICF home without dedicated chases for plumbing and other utilities.

Aren't there systems on the market that have dedicated chases already built in? I like the idea, saves a LOT of time with a hot knife.

I became concrete cutting professional.
I can cut any concrete with rebar or not.
I even can build a cave in a concrete block.
If you would have concrete slab, have full drawings.
Dont live my experience.

Rainman, if you want some additional engineers in Texas send me a PM.
Regards

Aren't there systems on the market that have dedicated chases already built in?

I'm thinking more about a major east/west, north/south and maybe up/down structural chase rather than something built in to each block.

There used to be a neat solution for electrical chases in ICF walls called E-Channel from Solcraft. I've been trying to get onto their website this morning with no luck, so there may be a problem with their servers (or something more permanent).

Posted By BrucePolycrete on 27 May 2013 10:31 AM
There used to be a neat solution for electrical chases in ICF walls called E-Channel from Solcraft. I've been trying to get onto their website this morning with no luck, so there may be a problem with their servers (or something more permanent).

That's write...I remember seeing that. I think I would upgrade my windows, doors and/or flooring first BUT it is a cool looking product.

Please send me a personal message on here so we can correspond through email or over the phone. I build homes in your area and work with a great block company with many architects in your region. Thank you and let me know if I can be of further assistance.

I would be happy to discuss your project in greater detail if you still need design services. I specialize in ICF homes of all sizes and budgets throughout the US. We also provide structural engineering for our designs and our engineer is licensed in nearly all 50 states. My experience includes designing nearly 150 ICF homes and consulting on nearly 200 more. I was on the development team for the new ICF building codes and regularly write for several national magazines relating to ICFs in addition to speaking at regional & national conventions. We have worked with all the major brands and can help you chose the best block for your location. Very few design professionals in the country have the experience or knowledge you will find by using my firm. My contact info is listed on this site under Architects (usually last page) or my website is www.rkdzns.com.